IGNOUMATIC

The concept of alienation is one of the central themes in the works of Karl Marx, particularly in his early writings such as Economic and Philosophic Manuscripts of 1844. Alienation, according to Marx, refers to the estrangement of individuals from themselves, others, and the products of their labor. This alienation…

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (1770–1831) was a German philosopher who made significant contributions to political philosophy, particularly in his work “The Philosophy of Right” (1820). Hegel’s views on civil society are central to his understanding of freedom, the state, and the individual’s role within a social and political structure. Civil…

Jeremy Bentham (1748–1832), a prominent English philosopher and social reformer, is regarded as the founder of Utilitarianism, a theory of ethics and political philosophy that emphasizes the greatest happiness or pleasure for the greatest number. Bentham’s political thought is shaped by his utilitarian principles, and it seeks to influence social…

Alexis de Tocqueville (1805–1859), the French political thinker and historian, is best known for his seminal work Democracy in America (1835–1840), where he offered deep insights into the functioning of democratic societies, particularly the United States. The statement, “Despotism may govern without religion, liberty cannot,” reflects Tocqueville’s profound concern with…

John Stuart Mill (1806–1873), one of the foremost liberal philosophers of the 19th century, was deeply committed to the values of individual liberty, moral autonomy, and human progress. The quotation, “After food and clothing, liberty is the want of human nature”, highlights Mill’s belief that while the basic physiological needs…

Edmund Burke (1729–1797), an Irish statesman, philosopher, and member of the British Parliament, is widely considered the intellectual father of modern conservatism. His most influential work, Reflections on the Revolution in France (1790), offered a powerful critique of the radical Enlightenment ideals that fueled the French Revolution. Central to Burke’s…

St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 CE), a towering figure in early Christian philosophy and theology, played a crucial role in shaping the political thought of the medieval world. His most significant political ideas are encapsulated in his magnum opus The City of God (De Civitate Dei), written between 413 and…

John Locke (1632–1704), a central figure of the Enlightenment and often regarded as the father of liberal political philosophy, developed a highly influential theory of the State of Nature and Natural Rights. His ideas, particularly articulated in his Two Treatises of Government (1689), laid the foundations for modern concepts of…

Aristotle, the ancient Greek philosopher and a disciple of Plato, made significant contributions to political theory through his empirical and systematic analysis of the city-state (polis). One of the most compelling aspects of his political inquiry in Politics is his analysis of revolution or stasis—a term that broadly refers to…

Political discourse comprises various dimensions, including political thought, political theory, and political philosophy. While these terms are often used interchangeably in everyday parlance, within the discipline of political science, they represent distinct intellectual traditions with different scopes, methodologies, and orientations. Understanding the differences among them is essential for a structured…

Karl Marx’s theory of Historical Materialism stands as one of the foundational concepts in Marxist thought. It represents a profound reinterpretation of history, society, and human development through the lens of material conditions and economic activity. Historical Materialism offers a scientific framework for analyzing how societies evolve and how economic…